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NHL Insider Jeff Marek Connects The Vancouver Canucks To Former Edmonton Oilers Head Coach

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 10, 2025 3:51 PM ET

The Vancouver Canucks are in need of a new Head Coach, and now it appears a former rival in Jay Woodcroft is shaping up to take on that role.

Rick Tocchet was supposed to be the long-term answer for the Vancouver Canucks, but after a few seasons he's moved on as Head Coach, and now, Patrik Allvin, Jim Rutherford and the front office are left searching for his replacement.

There's some big, intriguing names still out there, but according to Insider Jeff Marek, the front runner for the role has become former Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft, who was fired last season in favour of current bench boss Kris Knoblauch.

'Jay Woodcroft is the guy I keep coming back to for the Canucks. He understands the Canadian market...and he can coach offense.'

Ever since that time, Woodcroft has been linked to roles, but has yet to find a full-time job as a Head Coach again, but with Mike Sullivan, Joel Quenneville and David Carle officially off the market and very few experienced names left, Woodcroft may be the last best option for this team.

Woodcroft Looking To Prove Himself After Disappointing End In Edmonton

Despite the way things ended in Edmonton, Woodcroft has a 79-41-13 record in three years as Head Coach of the Oilers, and even with two of the best players in the NHL, he managed to coach this team well throughout his tenure.

Ultimately though, it was just a matter of time until he found himself behind the bench in the NHL again, and while there's an internal option like Manny Malhotra that could be tailor fit for this role, it appears as though unless someone else steps up, Woodcroft may be the man in Vancouver moving forward.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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